Eric Overmyer

Eric Overmyer is an American playwright and television writer known for his sharp wit, intellectual depth, and innovative storytelling. Born in Boulder, Colorado, in 1951, Overmyer earned his undergraduate degree from Reed College in Portland, Oregon. He began his career in the theatre, quickly gaining attention for his linguistically rich, stylized plays that challenged conventional theatrical forms while drawing from history, literature, and noir influences.

Overmyer’s best-known plays include On the Verge; or, The Geography of Yearning (1985), a time-traveling, language-loving adventure that follows three Victorian-era women explorers as they journey through time and culture. The play showcases his signature use of elevated language, cultural references, and philosophical inquiry, earning it a place in the contemporary American theatrical canon. Other notable works include Native Speech, In a Pig’s Valise, and Mi Vida Loca, each demonstrating his fascination with identity, mythology, and the rhythms of language.

In addition to his success in theatre, Overmyer transitioned into television, where he became a highly respected writer and producer. He has contributed to some of the most acclaimed television series of the 21st century, including The Wire, Homicide: Life on the Street, Treme, and Bosch. Overmyer’s work on The Wire and Treme in particular—both co-creations or collaborations with David Simon—earned widespread praise for their depth, social realism, and complex characters.

Overmyer’s theatre background is evident in his television writing, which often features carefully constructed dialogue, thematic layering, and a strong sense of place. His work tends to explore systems—whether urban infrastructure, the criminal justice system, or cultural identity—and the people navigating them. He brings a literary sensibility to his screenwriting, making him a unique and influential voice in both mediums.

Throughout his career, Eric Overmyer has been recognized for blending intellectual rigor with emotional resonance. Whether on stage or screen, his writing challenges audiences to think critically while engaging them with richly drawn characters and elegant, often poetic language. His work continues to bridge the gap between literary theatre and popular storytelling, contributing meaningfully to American drama and television.